Flash Drive

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

February 4, 2018 - Featured, Flash Drive - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SE w/4Motion

The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SE is handsomely styled with minor trim and wheel/tire differences among the various models.

Engine: 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder, 184 horsepower, 221 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 21-mpg city/27-mpg highway/23-mpg combined

Base Price: $30,230

As Tested: $31,130

Performance:

Excellent fuel economy—our best was 34.0-mpg highway

Variable valve timing for good mix of power and economy

Smooth, pleasant highway ride

Storage capacity and access are excellent in the 2018 VW Tiguan.

Strong acceleration

Auto start/stop feature

Standard 8-speed automatic transmission

Excellent 4Motion all-wheel-drive system

Four drive modes: On-road, Snow, Off-road, and Custom Off-road

Base model has front-wheel-drive

1,500 pound towing capability

Blind spot monitor

Comfort:

Excellent interior room

Front seat room is excellent in all dimensions. The steering wheel has a flat bottom.

Great second row legroom

Medium height floor tunnel

Quality carpet and interior materials

Very good headroom

Soft, wide armrest in second row

Good rear seat ingress/egress

Soft headrests

Three-temp heated front seats

Stretch-out driver and front passenger legroom

Excellent shoe room under dashboard

Thick, nicely contoured, flat bottom steering wheel

Rear seat leg and headroom are both excellent. Third row seating is available.

Driver side power lumbar support

Utility:

Up to 58% more cargo room than previous model

Big, wide hatch opening with room for tall people

Large, recessed interior hatch handle for easy closing

Flat cargo deck; no lift-over lip

Split folding seats fold flat

Available third row seating

Available panoramic sunroof

Standard roof rails for versatile gear accessories

The split folding seats and flat floor make for an impressive cargo area.

Low cargo floor for easy loading

Large, deep front door bins

Big, deep second row door bins

Two nice, vinyl seatback storage pouches

Medium size console bin

Big glovebox, but no lock

WOW Factors:

Spacious, comfortable interior

Impressive fuel economy

Large cargo capacity

Excellent safety features

Whines:

No lock on glovebox

Dome light could be brighter

The 2018 VW Tiguan with 4Motion all-wheel-drive is an excellent family activity vehicle.

Bottom Line:

The 2018 VW Tiguan with 4Motion is a compact crossover SUV with great interior space and comfort. The Tiguan is a family-friendly, value-oriented (especially in the SE trim package), all-wheel-drive vehicle that’s loaded with safety and technology features.